*Review* **Ayurveda and Epigenetics**

#### **Hari Sharma 1,\* and Robert Keith Wallace 2,\***


Received: 5 November 2020; Accepted: 8 December 2020; Published: 11 December 2020

**Abstract:** Ayurveda is a comprehensive, natural health care system that originated in the ancient Vedic times of India. Epigenetics refers to the external modification of DNA that turns genes on and o ff, a ffecting gene expression. This occurs without changes in the basic structure of the DNA. This gene expression can have transgenerational e ffects. The major factors that cause epigenetic changes are lifestyle and behavior, diet and digestion, stress, and environmental factors. Ayurveda addresses these factors, thereby a ffecting the Deha (body) Prakriti (psychophysiological constitution), which corresponds to the phenotype, and indirectly the Janma (birth) Prakriti, which corresponds to the genotype. Thus, it is proposed that epigenetics is an important mechanism of Ayurveda. This correlation and understanding will lead to better communication and understanding with the current medical system, and lead to better integration of both sciences in the managemen<sup>t</sup> of optimal health. In addition, research on Ayurvedic modalities a ffecting gene expression will further increase correlation and understanding between the current medical system and Ayurveda.

**Keywords:** Ayurveda; epigenetics; genotype; phenotype; Prakriti; doshas
